Tiltable outdoor power tool

Abstract

An outdoor power tool includes a frame, a tool assembly, a drive assembly, a traverse element, and a handle assembly. The tool assembly can be supported on the frame. The drive assembly can be supported on the frame below at least a portion of the tool assembly. The traverse element can be movably attached to the frame and define an element axis about which the traverse element moves. The traverse element can further define a vertical axis perpendicular to the element axis and a lateral axis perpendicular to the element axis and the vertical axis. The handle assembly can be attached to the frame and extend rearwardly from the frame. The outdoor power tool can define a center of gravity. In a first state of use, the center of gravity can be disposed along or rearwardly from the vertical axis.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to outdoor power tools such as walk-behind spreaders. Background Technology

[0002] Traditionally, spreading materials such as seeds and fertilizers has been done manually. The material is positioned around the work area by hand. Over time, it has become common to replace human operators with machines capable of spreading these materials. Machine spreaders can spread material onto the work area more efficiently in a shorter time, while also providing better distribution. However, existing machines are often too simple and rudimentary. Furthermore, while existing machines may make some aspects of spreading easier, users may still require considerable effort (e.g., balancing or pushing the spreader).

[0003] Therefore, improvements to the spreader are desired in this field. In particular, a spreader with improved ease of operation would be advantageous. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The aspects and advantages of this disclosure will be set forth in part in the description which follows, or may be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the art.

[0005] According to one embodiment, an outdoor power tool is provided. The outdoor power tool may include a frame, a tool assembly, a drive assembly, a traverse element, and a handle assembly. The tool assembly may be supported on the frame. The drive assembly may be supported on the frame below at least a portion of the tool assembly. The traverse element may be movably attached to the frame and defines an axis about which the traverse element moves. The traverse element may further define a vertical axis perpendicular to the axis and a transverse axis perpendicular to both the axis and the vertical axis. The handle assembly may be attached to the frame and extend rearward from the frame. The outdoor power tool may define a center of gravity. In a first state of use, the center of gravity may be positioned along the vertical axis or rearward from the vertical axis.

[0006] According to another embodiment, an outdoor power tool is provided. The outdoor power tool may include a frame, a tool assembly, a traverse element, a spreader blade, a drive assembly, and a handle assembly. The tool assembly may be supported on the frame. The traverse element may be movably attached to the frame and defines an element axis about which the traverse element moves. The traverse element may further define a vertical axis perpendicular to the element axis and a transverse axis perpendicular to both the element axis and the vertical axis. The spreader blade may be disposed above the traverse element. The drive assembly may be supported on the frame and includes a rotator shaft extending to the spreader blade in mechanical communication therewith to drive the blade to rotate. The rotator shaft may be disposed forward from the element axis. The handle assembly may be attached to the frame and extend rearward from the frame. The outdoor power tool may define a center of gravity. In a first use state, the center of gravity is disposed along or rearward from the vertical axis. In a first storage state, the center of gravity may be disposed rearward from the vertical axis. In both the first storage state and the first use state, the center of gravity may be disposed above the element axis.

[0007] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of this disclosure will become more readily understood with reference to the following description and the appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the technology and, together with the specification, serve to explain the principles of the technology. Attached Figure Description

[0008] The description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, sets forth a complete and feasible disclosure for those skilled in the art, including the best mode for making and using the system and method, as shown in the drawings: Figure 1 This is a front perspective view of a hand-held power tool according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A side elevation view of an exemplary hand-held power tool, wherein the hand-held power tool is in a stored state; Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A side elevation view of an exemplary hand-held power tool, wherein the hand-held power tool is in use; Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional elevation view of a portion of an exemplary hand-held power tool; Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A side elevation view of an exemplary hand-held power tool, wherein the hand-held power tool is in a first storage state; Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A side elevation view of an exemplary hand-held power tool, wherein the hand-held power tool is in a first use state; Figure 7 yes Figure 1 A side elevation view of an exemplary walk-in power tool, wherein the walk-in power tool is in a second storage state; and Figure 8 yes Figure 1 A side elevation view of an exemplary hand-held power tool, wherein the hand-held power tool is in a second use state. Detailed Implementation

[0009] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present disclosure, with one or more examples of embodiments of the present disclosure illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The term “exemplary” as used herein means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. Furthermore, each example is provided by way of illustration and not as a limitation of the technology. Indeed, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and variations can be made to the present technology without departing from the scope or spirit of the claimed technology. For example, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment may be used with another embodiment to produce yet another embodiment. Therefore, this disclosure is intended to cover such modifications and variations falling within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. Specific embodiments use numerals and letters to refer to features in the drawings. The same or similar reference numerals in the drawings and specification are used to refer to the same or similar portions of this disclosure.

[0010] As used herein, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third” are used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to indicate the location or importance of individual components. Unless the context clearly specifies otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references. Unless otherwise specified herein, the terms “connected,” “fixed,” “attached,” etc., refer to a direct connection, fixation, or attachment, as well as an indirect connection, fixation, or attachment of both through one or more intermediate components or features. As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “includes,” “has,” “having,” or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of features is not necessarily limited to such features but may include other features not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Furthermore, unless expressly stated to the contrary, “or” means inclusive or, not exclusive or. For example, condition A or B is satisfied by either of the following: A is true (or exists) and B is false (or does not exist), A is false (or does not exist) and B is true (or exists), and both A and B are true (or exist).

[0011] Approximate terms such as “approximately,” “generally,” “around,” or “substantially” include values ​​greater than or less than ten percent of the stated value. When used in the context of angles or directions, such terms include values ​​greater than or less than five degrees of the stated angle or direction. For example, “generally vertical” includes a direction within five degrees of vertical in any direction, such as clockwise or counterclockwise.

[0012] As used herein, the terms “operably connected” and “attached” refer to a mechanical or electrical connection between two or more elements, whether they are directly connected to each other or connected via one or more intermediate components, such that the mechanical or electrical output of one element is transmitted directly or indirectly to the second element that is operably connected.

[0013] Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems are described below with reference to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any features(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to appear or become more significant should not be construed as key, essential, or necessary features of any or all claims.

[0014] In summary, the various aspects of this walk-behind power tool provide an advantageously tiltable tool for balancing (e.g., reducing or minimizing the user's effort to balance the tool during use compared to existing tools). For example, when unloaded or unloaded (e.g., within the tool's reservoir), the tool's center of gravity can cause it to tilt backward. In contrast, when loaded during use (e.g., loaded with a predetermined mass of granules or spreadable material), the center of gravity may cause the tool to tilt slightly backward. It is worth noting that the user may need to supply a very small downward balancing force, for example, by placing his or her hand on the tool's handle.

[0015] Now refer to the attached diagram, Figure 1 The illustration shows a hand-held outdoor power tool 10. Although... Figure 1 The power tool 10 shown in the figure is a spreader, which can be used to spread (e.g., dispense) materials stored in a reservoir (e.g., fertilizer, pesticide or other particulate materials) across a surface (e.g., grass, garden, etc.) as it moves laterally across the ground. However, the invention also contemplates that the power tool 10 may include a lawnmower, snowplow or snow blower, walk-behind fan, trimmer, tiller, weeder, aerator, tractor or other power tool.

[0016] The power tool 10 generally comprises a frame 20 and a traversing element 12. The frame 20 may be formed from a tube, plate, etc. The elements of the frame 20 may be joined together by welding, fasteners (e.g., threaded fasteners), etc. The traversing element 12 may be movably attached to the frame 20 for traversing the power tool 10 over an area. For example, the traversing element 12 may be or include elements that can traverse around an axis A. e (For example, one or more rolling elements that rotate parallel to a horizontal, ground-defined lateral direction L.) Figure 1 As illustrated, the lateral movement element 12 may include one or more wheels, such as a first wheel 14 and a second wheel 16. It may only have two wheels and no operator seat (such as...). Figure 1 The power tool 10 (illustrated in the figure) can also be referred to as a walk-behind power tool. However, although the traverse element 12 is illustrated as a first wheel 14 and a second wheel 16, it should be understood that alternatives such as one or more tracks, rollers, etc., can also be implemented.

[0017] The power tool 10 may also include a handle assembly 40 connected to the frame 20. The handle assembly 40 may be disposed upward and rearward from the traverse element 12. For example, one or more tubes or rods of the handle assembly 40 may be attached to the frame 20 and extend upward and rearward before terminating at or near the grip section. Separately from or in addition to the handle assembly 40, a bracket 50 may be connected to the frame 20. For example, one or more tubes or rods of the bracket 50 may be attached downward and rearward to the frame 20 (e.g., below the handle assembly 40) before terminating at the contact section, against the ground G (…). Figure 2 (e.g., in a stored state, as will be described in more detail below) or on the surface supporting the power tool 10.

[0018] The power tool 10 may also generally include a drive assembly 30 that propels the traverse element 12 and potentially propels the tool assembly 22. As a non-limiting example, the drive assembly 30 may include a motor 32 (such as an electric motor as shown), an engine, etc. In embodiments where the drive assembly 30 includes an electric motor, the power tool 10 may also include one or more batteries 34 that supply power to the electric motor 32. In a particular embodiment, the one or more batteries may comprise a single battery. In another embodiment, the one or more batteries may comprise multiple batteries. One or more batteries may be removable, permanently mounted, or a combination thereof. Batteries may also be used on different components other than the power tool 10, allowing for battery interchangeability between different types of tools. The electric motor may comprise, for example, a brushless DC motor. The power tool 10 is capable of traversing the ground G (i.e., the traverse element 12 is capable of movement) even when the electric motor 32 or other drive assembly 30 is not providing power for the movement. This enables both manual and electric operation of the power tool, allowing it to continue functioning even when the power source (e.g., the battery) is depleted or removed.

[0019] Tool component 22 is supported on frame 20. Figure 1 In this embodiment, power tool 10 is a spreader, and tool assembly 22 includes a reservoir 52 that defines a receiving area for receiving material to be spread by the spreader. As shown, the reservoir 52 may be positioned above the traversing element 12, and specifically on the element axis A. e Above. Temporarily turning around. Figure 4 The storage container 52 includes one or more dispersible outlets (e.g., particle discharge outlet 54) for releasing material from the receiving area.

[0020] As disclosed herein, the reservoir 52 may include various mechanisms and configurations for controlling the release of material from a receiving area or subsequently dispersed from tool 10 via one or more dispersing outlets. In the illustrated embodiment, a spreader blade 56 is included below the reservoir 52. As shown, the spreader blade 56 may be positioned above the traverse element 12. Generally, the spreader blade 56 may be positioned about blade axis A. b (For example, parallel to the vertical axis A) v The spreader blade 56 may be mechanically connected to or in mechanical communication with the drive assembly 30 (e.g., actuated or rotated by it). In some embodiments, the drive assembly 30 includes a rotator shaft 58 that extends to the spreader blade 56 in mechanical communication with it (e.g., along the blade axis A). b This drives the rotation of the spreader blades 56. Optionally, the rotator shaft 58 can be located from the element axis A. e Forward (e.g., relative to the lateral axis A)t Alternatively, the particle discharge port 54 is positioned rearward from the rotator shaft 58.

[0021] Although the spreader blade 56 is illustrated, it should be understood that the tool assembly 22 may include one or more additional or alternative tool units operatively connected to the frame 20, such as a blade assembly when the power tool 10 is a lawnmower, a snowplow assembly when the power tool 10 is a snowplow, etc.

[0022] Special return Figure 1 In some embodiments, the handle assembly 40 includes a grip portion having multiple handles, such as a left handle 42 and a right handle 44. The left handle 42 and right handle 44 may extend on opposite lateral sides relative to the direction of movement of the lateral element 12. In some arrangements, the handle assembly 40 may be contained in a central portion 46 between the left handle 42 and the right handle 44. For example, the left handle 42 and right handle 44 may extend from the central portion 46.

[0023] Now go to Figures 2 to 8 The power tool 10 can generally be in a stored state relative to the ground G (e.g., Figure 2 , Figure 5 and Figure 7 ) and usage status (e.g., Figure 3 , Figure 6 and Figure 8 The components are inclined between each other. Specifically, the power tool can be positioned around component axis A. e It can be tilted between a rear-facing storage position and a forward-facing or upright use position. When the power tool is tilted, it can be tilted relative to the mutually perpendicular vertical axes A. v (For example, the vertical direction V defined by a perfectly horizontal ground) and the horizontal axis A t (For example, the lateral direction T, which is parallel to the perfectly horizontal ground, is further inclined, with the vertical axis A...) v and transverse axis A t Both are perpendicular to the component axis A e And it can be obtained from component axis A e Extension. The tilt between the storage state and the usage state can be determined by the axis around the element A. e The predetermined tilt angle N of the extension t To limit.

[0024] In some embodiments, the storage configuration may provide or include the power tool 10 in a self-supporting position, such that the user does not come into contact with the power tool 10 even when the traversing elements 12 (e.g., wheels 14 and 16) remain in contact with the ground. For example, the contact portion of the bracket 50 may rest against the ground, with the wheels 14 and 16 supporting the tool 10. Figure 1And to prevent tool 10 from tipping over.

[0025] In other or alternative embodiments, the use state may provide or include the power tool 10 in an upright position supported by the user (e.g., gripping the handle assembly 40). In some such embodiments, the lateral movement element 12 or wheels 14 and 16 may be only the portion of the power tool 10 in contact with the ground G in the use state. As shown, the use state may include or provide the tool assembly in a position generally parallel to the ground G (e.g., in the lateral direction L or the transverse direction T). For example, the use state may provide rotation of the spreader blades 56 or the blade axis A in an orientation generally parallel to the vertical direction V. b The usage state can optionally be configured to allow the hopper 52 to reach the maximum or rated volume of particles within the receiving area (e.g., so that particles do not overflow from the hopper 52 assembly due to gravity).

[0026] As shown, the power tool 10 can define a fixed vertical line V' and a fixed lateral line L' that are perpendicular to each other. Figure 1 ) and a fixed transverse line T'. All three lines V', L' and T' can, for example, originate from the element axis A. e The center point is emanating from the vertical line V'. In use, the vertical line V' can be kept substantially parallel to the vertical direction V. The fixed lateral line L' and fixed transverse line T' can be kept horizontal (e.g., parallel to the lateral direction L or the transverse direction T). In some embodiments, the forward tilt angle N... f It is defined as extending forward from the vertical line V' to a second line defined as parallel to the vertical direction V in the storage state. Optionally, the forward tilt angle N f It can be equal in magnitude to the tilt angle N. t .

[0027] As an object with mass, the power tool 10 may further define a center of gravity (COG) 60. Furthermore, the COG 60 may be affected by the mass of particles or storage provided to the receiving area or reservoir 52. Specifically, at least two separate COG 60 locations may be predetermined. One (e.g., a first) location of the COG 60 may be set or predetermined based on the empty state of the reservoir 52 (e.g., the state in which the assembled power tool 10 includes a reservoir 52 in which there are substantially no particles), for example, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 5 and Figure 6 Another (e.g., second) location of COG 60 can be set or predetermined based on the loading state of the reservoir 52. In particular, the loading state can provide a predetermined mass (e.g., approximately 15, 18, 20, 23, 25, 27, or 38 kg; or within 50%, 25%, or 10% of the rated capacity of the reservoir 52) of granular or spreadable material.

[0028] In some embodiments, multiple separate usage states are defined. For example, specifically, turning. Figure 5 A first operating state can be provided. As described above, as an operating state, the first operating state may include a vertical line V' that is generally parallel to the vertical direction V. The fixed lateral line L' and the fixed transverse line T' may be held horizontally (e.g., parallel to the lateral direction L or the transverse direction T). Alternatively or additionally, the first operating state may include an empty state of the reservoir 52. In the first operating state, COG 60 may be positioned along the vertical axis A. v Set or from vertical axis A v Rearward setting (e.g., closer to the handle assembly 40 or further away from the direction of travel compared to the vertical axis Av). Optionally, COG 60 can be tilted forward at an angle N. f Rearward setting. As shown, in the first usage state, COG 60 can be set on component axis A. e Above (e.g., on the axis A of the component) e (At a higher relative height). Optionally, as described above, the battery 34 can be supported on the frame 20 in a first use state (e.g., electrically connected to the drive assembly 30). In some such embodiments, the battery 34 is located on the component axis A. e Above and from the vertical axis A v Install forward.

[0029] Now, in a special turn Figure 8 A second usage state may be provided, either separately from or in addition to the first usage state. As described above, the second usage state may include a vertical line V' generally parallel to the vertical direction V. The fixed lateral line L' and fixed transverse line T' may be held horizontally (e.g., parallel to the lateral direction L or transverse direction T). Additionally or alternatively, the second usage state may include a loading state of the reservoir 52 (e.g., such that a predetermined mass of particles is received within the reservoir 52). In the second usage state, the COG 60 can be released from the vertical axis A. v Forward setting (e.g., with vertical axis A) v Compared to (away from the handle assembly 40 or closer to the direction of travel). Optionally, COG 60 can be set to a forward tilt angle N. f Inside. As shown, in the second operating state, COG 60 can be positioned on component axis A. e Above (e.g., on the axis A of the component) e At a higher relative height). The COG 60 can be higher in the second use state than in the first use state (e.g., relative to the vertical axis A). vOptionally, as described above, the battery 34 can be supported on the frame 20 in a second usage position (e.g., electrically connected to the drive assembly 30). In some such embodiments, the battery 34 is positioned along the component axis A. e Above and from the vertical axis A v Install forward.

[0030] In other or alternative embodiments, multiple separate storage states may be defined. For example, specifically redirection. Figure 4 A first storage state can be provided. As described above, as a storage state, the first storage state can include a vertical line V' according to a predetermined tilt angle N. t It is tilted backward relative to the vertical direction V. Alternatively, the first storage state may include the empty state of the storage container 52. In the first storage state, the COG 60 can be released from the vertical axis A. v Set backward (e.g., with vertical axis A) v Compared to the direction of travel (closer to the handle assembly 40 or further away from the direction of travel), for example, the COG 60 can be set further back compared to the first use state. Furthermore, the COG 60 can be tilted forward at an angle N. f Reverse setting. As shown, in the first storage state, COG 60 can be set on component axis A. e Above (e.g., on the axis A of the component) e (At a higher relative height). Optionally, as described above, the battery 34 can be supported on the frame 20 in a first storage state (e.g., electrically connected to the drive assembly 30). In some such embodiments, the battery 34 is located on the component axis A. e Above and from the vertical axis A v Install forward.

[0031] Now, in a special turn Figure 7 A second storage state may be provided, either separately from or in addition to the first storage state. As described above, the first storage state may include a vertical line V' according to a predetermined tilt angle N. t Inclined backward relative to the vertical direction V. Alternatively or concurrently, the second storage state may include the loading state of the reservoir 52 (e.g., such that a predetermined mass of particles is received within the reservoir 52). In the second storage state, the COG 60 can be released from the vertical axis A. v Rearward setting (e.g., closer to the handle assembly 40 or further away from the direction of travel compared to the vertical axis Av). For example, COG 60 can be set further backward compared to the second use state. Alternatively, COG 60 can be set further forward compared to the first storage state. Optionally, COG 60 can be set at a forward tilt angle N. fInside. As shown, in the second storage state, COG 60 can be positioned on component axis A. e Above (e.g., on the axis A of the component) e At a higher relative height). COG 60 can be positioned higher in the second storage state than in the first storage state (e.g., relative to vertical axis A). v Alternatively, as described above, the battery 34 can be supported on the frame 20 in a second storage location (e.g., electrically connected to the drive assembly 30). In some such embodiments, the battery 34 is positioned along component axis A. e Above and from the vertical axis A v Install forward.

[0032] It is worth noting that the embodiments described above can provide forward tilting balance during use, while being self-supporting or re-stabilizable in a backward tilting storage position. Alternatively, the user may need to supply a very small downward balancing force, for example, by placing his or her hand on the handle of the power tool.

[0033] Other aspects of this disclosure are provided by one or more of the following embodiments: Example 1. An outdoor power tool tiltable between a first storage state and a first use state, the outdoor power tool comprising: a frame; a tool assembly supported on the frame; a drive assembly supported on the frame below at least a portion of the tool assembly; a traverse element movably attached to the frame and defining an element axis about which the traverse element moves, the traverse element further defining a vertical axis perpendicular to the element axis and a transverse axis perpendicular to the element axis and the vertical axis; and a handle assembly attached to the frame and extending rearward from the frame, wherein the outdoor power tool defines a center of gravity, wherein, in the first use state, the center of gravity is positioned along or rearward from the vertical axis.

[0034] Example 2. According to any one or more of the power tools described in the examples, in the first stored state, the center of gravity is set rearward from the vertical axis.

[0035] Example 3. According to any one or more of the power tools described in the examples, the center of gravity is located above the component axis in the first storage state and the first use state.

[0036] Example 4. The power tool according to any one or more of the embodiments further includes a bracket that extends rearward and downward from the frame to support the frame in a first stored state.

[0037] Example 5. A power tool according to any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the tool assembly includes a spreader blade disposed above the traverse element, wherein the drive assembly includes a rotator shaft extending to the spreader blade in mechanical communication therewith to drive the blade to rotate.

[0038] Example 6. According to any one or more of the power tools described in the examples, the rotator shaft is positioned forward from the component axis.

[0039] Example 7. A power tool according to any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the tool assembly includes a reservoir disposed above the axis of the component, wherein the reservoir defines a particle discharge port for releasing particulate material from the particle discharge port, and wherein the particle discharge port is disposed rearward from the rotator axis.

[0040] Example 8. A power tool according to any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the drive assembly includes a motor mechanically connected to the traverse element to drive the traverse element to rotate about the element's axis.

[0041] Example 9. A power tool according to any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the tool assembly includes a storage container disposed above the axis of the component and extending forward from the vertical axis, wherein the outdoor power tool is further movable to a second storage state and a second use state, wherein the first use state and the first storage state include an empty state of the storage container, wherein the second use state and the second storage state include receiving a predetermined mass of particles in the storage container, and wherein in the second use state, the center of gravity is set forward from the vertical axis.

[0042] Example 10. According to any one or more of the power tools described in the examples, wherein, in the second storage state, the center of gravity is set rearward from the vertical axis.

[0043] Example 11. The power tool according to any one or more of the embodiments further includes a battery supported on the frame and electrically connected to the drive assembly.

[0044] Example 12. According to any one or more of the power tools described in the examples, the battery is mounted above the component axis and installed forward from the vertical axis.

[0045] Example 13. An outdoor power tool tiltable between a first storage state and a first use state, the outdoor power tool comprising: a frame; a tool assembly supported on the frame; a traverse element movably attached to the frame and defining an element axis about which the traverse element moves, the traverse element further defining a vertical axis perpendicular to the element axis and a transverse axis perpendicular to the element axis and the vertical axis; a spreader blade disposed above the traverse element; a drive assembly supported on the frame and including a rotator shaft extending to the spreader blade in mechanical communication therewith to drive the blade to rotate, the rotator shaft being disposed forward from the element axis; and a handle assembly attached to the frame and extending rearward from the frame, wherein the outdoor power tool defines a center of gravity, wherein in the first use state the center of gravity is disposed along or rearward from the vertical axis, wherein in the first storage state the center of gravity is disposed rearward from the vertical axis, and wherein in both the first storage state and the first use state the center of gravity is disposed above the element axis.

[0046] Example 14. The power tool according to any one or more of the embodiments further includes a bracket that extends rearward and downward from the frame to support the frame in a first stored state.

[0047] Example 15. A power tool according to any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the tool assembly includes a reservoir disposed above the axis of the component, wherein the reservoir defines a particle discharge port for releasing particulate material from the particle discharge port, and wherein the particle discharge port is disposed rearward from the rotator axis.

[0048] Example 16. According to any one or more of the power tools described in the examples, the drive assembly includes a motor that is mechanically connected to the traverse element to drive the traverse element to rotate about the element's axis.

[0049] Example 17. A power tool according to any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the tool assembly includes a storage container disposed above the axis of the component and extending forward from the vertical axis, wherein the outdoor power tool is further movable to a second storage state and a second use state, wherein the first use state and the first storage state include an empty state of the storage container, wherein the second use state and the second storage state include receiving a predetermined mass of particles in the storage container, and wherein, in the second use state, the center of gravity is set forward from the vertical axis.

[0050] Example 18. According to any one or more of the power tools described in the examples, wherein, in the second storage state, the center of gravity is set rearward from the vertical axis.

[0051] Example 19. The power tool according to any one or more of the embodiments further includes a battery supported on the frame and electrically connected to the drive assembly.

[0052] Example 20. According to any one or more of the power tools described in the examples, the battery is mounted above the component axis and installed forward from the vertical axis.

[0053] This written description discloses the application using examples that include the best mode and also enables any person skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, which includes methods of making and using any device or system and performing any combination. The patentable scope of this disclosure is defined by the claims and may include other examples that would occur to a person skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they contain structural elements that are not different from the literal language of the claims, or if they contain equivalent structural elements that are not substantially different from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

1. An outdoor power tool, wherein the outdoor power tool is tiltable between a first storage state and a first use state, characterized in that, The outdoor power tools include: frame; Tool components, which are supported on the frame; A drive component, the drive component being supported on the frame below at least a portion of the tool component; A lateral moving element, movably attached to the frame and defining an axis about which the lateral moving element moves, the lateral moving element further defining a vertical axis perpendicular to the axis and a transverse axis perpendicular to both the axis and the vertical axis; and A handle assembly, which is attached to the frame and extends rearward from the frame. The outdoor power tool has a defined center of gravity. In the first usage state, the center of gravity is set along the vertical axis or set backward from the vertical axis.

2. The outdoor power tool according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the first storage state, the center of gravity is set backward from the vertical axis.

3. The outdoor power tool according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the first storage state and the first use state, the center of gravity is located above the axis of the component.

4. The outdoor power tool according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outdoor power tool also includes a stand that extends rearward and downward from the frame to support the frame in the first storage state.

5. The outdoor power tool according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tool assembly includes a spreader blade disposed above the traverse element, wherein the drive assembly includes a rotator shaft that extends into mechanical communication with the spreader blade to drive the blade to rotate.

6. The outdoor power tool according to claim 5, characterized in that, The rotator shaft is positioned forward from the axis of the element.

7. The outdoor power tool according to claim 5, characterized in that, The tool assembly includes a reservoir disposed above the axis of the component. The storage container defines a particle discharge port to release particulate material from the particle discharge port, and The particle discharge port is located axially from the rotator.

8. The outdoor power tool according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive assembly includes a motor that is mechanically connected to the traverse element to drive the traverse element to rotate about the element's axis.

9. The outdoor power tool according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tool assembly includes a reservoir disposed above the axis of the element and extending forward from the vertical axis. The outdoor power tool can be further moved to a second storage state and a second usage state. The first usage state and the first storage state include the empty state of the storage container. The second usage state and the second storage state include receiving a predetermined mass of particles in the storage container, and In the second usage state, the center of gravity is set forward from the vertical axis.

10. The outdoor power tool according to claim 9, characterized in that, In the second storage state, the center of gravity is set backward from the vertical axis.

11. The outdoor power tool according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outdoor power tool also includes a battery supported on the frame and electrically connected to the drive assembly.

12. The outdoor power tool according to claim 11, characterized in that, The battery is mounted above the axis of the component and forward from the vertical axis.

13. An outdoor power tool, wherein the outdoor power tool is tiltable between a first storage state and a first use state, characterized in that, The outdoor power tools include: frame; Tool components, which are supported on the frame; A transverse element, movably attached to the frame and defining an element axis about which the transverse element moves, the transverse element further defining a vertical axis perpendicular to the element axis and a transverse axis perpendicular to both the element axis and the vertical axis; The spreader blades are disposed above the transverse element; A drive assembly, supported on the frame and including a rotator shaft extending to the spreader blades in mechanical communication therewith to drive the blades to rotate, the rotator shaft being forward-oriented from the axis of the element; and A handle assembly, which is attached to the frame and extends rearward from the frame. The outdoor power tool has a defined center of gravity. In the first usage state, the center of gravity is set along the vertical axis or set backward from the vertical axis. In the first storage state, the center of gravity is positioned rearward from the vertical axis, and In both the first storage state and the first use state, the center of gravity is located above the axis of the component.

14. The outdoor power tool according to claim 13, characterized in that, The outdoor power tool also includes a stand that extends rearward and downward from the frame to support the frame in the first storage state.

15. The outdoor power tool according to claim 13, characterized in that, The tool assembly includes a reservoir disposed above the axis of the component. The storage container defines a particle discharge port to release particulate material from the particle discharge port, and The particle discharge port is located axially from the rotator.

16. The outdoor power tool according to claim 13, characterized in that, The drive assembly includes a motor that is mechanically connected to the traverse element to drive the traverse element to rotate about the element's axis.

17. The outdoor power tool according to claim 13, characterized in that, The tool assembly includes a reservoir disposed above the axis of the element and extending forward from the vertical axis. The outdoor power tool can be further moved to a second storage state and a second usage state. The first usage state and the first storage state include the empty state of the storage container. The second usage state and the second storage state include receiving a predetermined mass of particles in the storage container, and In the second usage state, the center of gravity is set forward from the vertical axis.

18. The outdoor power tool according to claim 17, characterized in that, In the second storage state, the center of gravity is set backward from the vertical axis.

19. The outdoor power tool according to claim 13, characterized in that, The outdoor power tool also includes a battery supported on the frame and electrically connected to the drive assembly.

20. The outdoor power tool according to claim 19, characterized in that, The battery is mounted above the axis of the component and forward from the vertical axis.

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